Pointy's Pointless Skating Blog, Wednesday Edition: Smooth Skating
That's right, apparently the Zamboni was fixed since Monday. I am so relieved. It felt so much better. It didn't look like the ice-hockey players were on the ice immediately previous either, which... also helps. But not half so much as not having those annoying ridges, yeesh.
Spent about 35 minutes on the ice, nice and vigorous with an initial workout whizzing around in both directions forwards and backwards. And then followed up doing figure eights as fast as possible for about five minutes. Got me nice and warm. Once I got to the tricks I was going to practice, it still took a minute to get into good form, but then I felt good. I was going a good clip even doing turns backwards and forwards. And I'm definitely starting to get a better hang of the spin. Practice, practice, practice - will get you slow and steady progress. Emphasis on the slow in this case, but hey. I'm trying to do this with no coach here.
Alternating skating days with running days. Hopefully they will prop each other up and I'll have stamina, general fitness, and flexibility.
Now, the next thing... I'm not sure what I'd like to attempt next. From the book I read's section on jumps, I have done this thing called a bunny hop, which is just, in a straight line, jumping onto your toe picks and jumping back down onto the ice and continuing to skate. Sort of like standing on tippy-toe. I'd like to try a jump at some point, but I don't know if I'm ready yet Well, my bruises are healing and I've got to acquire new ones somehow now that I'm no longer clumsy at the moves I have been doing...
Oh, and I had most of the ice to myself except for a little kid who was getting a lesson. I know I've disparaged group lessons on public skating time, but at least with one pupil the teacher can give full attention and it's easier to keep track of where everyone is. And as I've said, little kids skating are cute.
So, I'll sign off. Next post should be on Friday. Until then, stay cool. Skate hot. And I'm going to take a soak and get some hot chocolate.
